National signing day roundup: St. Joe's Prep's Ryan Bryce joins Army

St Joseph’s Prep defensive tackle Ryan Bryce (No. 75) will continue his football career at Army.

MARK C PSORAS

As a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle, Ryan Bryce drew the interest of many Division I programs. Boston College, Central Florida, Rutgers, Temple, and Virginia were among the schools to offer scholarships.

But St. Joseph's Prep coach Gabe Infante learned one day that the team captain had more than just football on his mind. "He told me, 'I think I want to serve my country. It's important to me.' "

With that, Bryce announced his commitment to play at Army. On Wednesday afternoon, the first day of college football's early signing period, the 17-year-old from Horsham signed a letter of intent to play for the Black Knights.

"I always wanted to serve in some way," he explained. "I really can't pinpoint when the idea first came into my mind."

The other Prep players who made their college commitments official at McShain Library were wideouts Darryle Simmons (Virginia Tech), Brandon Sanders (Bucknell), linebacker Phil O'Connor (Richmond), and strong safety Dawson DeIuliis (Princeton).

"Just look at what these kids have accomplished," Infante said. "It says a lot about our program and school."

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Like many Army recruits, Bryce expects to begin at the United States Military Academy Prep School before moving on to the academy. He plans to leave for West Point, N.Y., in early July.

"Life in the military and the regimen that goes with it is going to be new to me, obviously, so I'm a little nervous," Bryce said. "But I know what I'm getting into and I'm ready for it."

Bryce helped the Prep go 13-1 this season, successfully defend its Catholic League Class 6A and PIAA District 12 titles, and advance to the state final before losing to District 7's Pine-Richland, 41-21, in Hershey.

"We didn't finish the way we wanted to, but it was still a great season," Bryce said.

Despite being slowed by knee and back injuries, Bryce earned all-Catholic League Red Division honors for the second straight season and was a Class 6A all-state selection.

He was double- and triple-teamed a lot this year, and that allowed other guys to charge in unblocked and make plays," Infante said.

Bryce, who was involved in 34 tackles and notched four sacks, was joined on the all-state team by O'Connor (team-high 81 tackles, seven sacks). DeIuliis posted 46 tackles and made three interceptions.

Of DeIuliis, Infante said, "He was the captain of our secondary, the brains back there. We'll sorely miss his leadership."

Sanders made 39 catches for 514 yards and nine touchdowns. "He became our go-to guy on offense as the season went along," Infante said.

Simmons missed the entire season because of a torn Achilles tendon. "I can't wait to put the TV on and watch him play for Virginia Tech," Infante said.